KMB119 Sound Recording and Audio Production
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | KMB119 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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| CSP student contribution | $1,164 |
| Pre-2021 CSP student contribution | $996 The pre-2021 commonwealth supported place (CSP) contribution amount only applies to students enrolled in a course prior to 2021. To learn more, visit our Understanding your fees page. |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,356 |
| International unit fee | $4,668 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | KMB119 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Coordinator: | Yanto Browning | y.browning@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This introductory unit introduces you to the fundamental principles of music and sound production through a mix of theory and practice. You will gain an understanding of sound recording, audio processing and editing, and live sound reinforcement while developing listening skills essential for music and sound production. The unit prepares you for later music production and recording studio-based units. Understanding how to capture and manipulate sound in live and recorded domains are core skills for anyone involved in making music or in any associated creative practice that involves the use of audio. You will develop a critical and practical understanding of the physical properties of sound, how it is perceived, and how it is recorded and processed to produce a final musical outcome. Sustainability concepts related to music production, including gender inclusivity, cultural awareness, and responsible technology use, will be introduced.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental acoustics and music technology principles and how these affect the production and presentation of music and sound works.
- Make sound recordings using a variety of microphone techniques and edit recording using multi-track techniques.
- Accurately document and effectively communicate details of the music production process.
- Evaluate and critique sound recordings with reference to appropriate musical styles and modes of production.
Content
Unit content will include: Physics of sound propagation; room acoustics; instrument acoustics; the physiology of hearing; microphone design and techniques; audio signal flow; digital representation of audio and digital signal processing; editing and mixing techniques; audio presentation formats; music and sound analysis and communication; sound and music ecosystem sustainablity topics.
Learning Approaches
This unit takes an applied theory approach to learning. Fundamental acoustic and sound recording theory is covered in a series of lectures supported by audio, video, and text. These are complemented with additional readings and resources. In weekly workshops, audio fundamentals are demonstrated and accompanied by relevant listening exercises. Students then apply concepts in a practical lab environment supported by teaching staff and peer feedback. The learning process is further supported with online discussion groups and informal help sessions.
Embedded support for learning includes our music technical support team who provide further support during classes and outside of class during assessment.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Feedback in this unit is provided to you in the following ways:
- a range of formative exercises will be discussed in the weekly workshops
- summative assessment work will be returned with criteria sheets and comments, with further comments and discussion available upon request
- generic comments will be provided to the cohort via QUT Canvas
- online unit forums will be used as an additional, informal channel for feedback
- informal, drop in help sessions will be opportunities to consult with staff and seek additional clarification on unit requirements and feedback on work in progress.
Assessment
Overview
The first summative assessment item is designed as an early "check in" on your comprehension of acoustic and recording theory and critical listening skills.
Assessment 2 requires you to apply this theory in the production of a two-channel recording of acoustic music.
Assessment 3 builds on this with the requirement to create a layered, multi-tracked recording.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Acoustics, Signal Flow, and Listening Skills Test
Complete an in-class multiple-choice test on the fundamental principles of acoustics and signal flow. The test will cover material presented in the lectures and tutorials over the first few weeks of semester and will assist you in gaining an understanding of the foundation principles required to successfully complete the later assessment items.
Assessment: Stereo Recording & Analysis
Record a series of mono and stereo recordings of acoustic musical instruments using a range of microphone techniques and acoustic environments. Provide an accompanying written report that documents the range of recording processes you used, and evaluates the effect these had on the recorded outcomes.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Multitrack Recording & Report
Record, process, and edit a series of acoustic-based sound sources to produce a layered soundscape (with a theme or narrative, dialogue, environmental/location sound, and sound effects) or a multi-tracked musical piece. Provide an accompanying written report that documents the production processes you used and how they enabled the thematic/musical ideas to be expressed and developed.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
All students are requested to visit and review the Health and Safety information on the HiQ web pages (CIESJ Tier 1 HSE requirement).
This unit also requires a Tier 2 CIESJ Health and Safety Induction which is provided by the technician on site in the theatre, workshop or studio.
Costs
As well as access to the online resources supplied to you via Canvas and other websites, you will require a pair of enclosed headphones with an appropriate 6.5 and 3.5mm adaptor. You will also need a portable personal file storage, such as a USB thumb drive or similar.
Resources
- Online readings will be made available from the Canvas site.
- Lecture and workshop video and audio resources will be available directly on the Cavas site.
Resource Materials
Software
If you are unable to access on-campus computer labs, you will need access to AVID Pro-Tools. Approximately $15/month for a subscription.
Other
To enable your full participation in the virtual learning environment, for example, participating in online activities and engaging with online learning materials, you will need access to a reliable computer with an internet connection, webcam, headset (see Overview) and microphone, as well as a learning environment where you are able to fully participate undisturbed when required.
Risk Assessment Statement
For risks associated with using campus buildings or QUT facilities, refer to the HiQ Health and Safety information. For CIESJ Tier 2 Health and Safety requirements, you will be instructed on safe procedures and the required safety gear for all studio and workshop processes that are demonstrated. Health and Safety files are readily available for all materials and machinery in all studio areas. Technical supervision is provided for workshops and available on a regular basis during the week.
Where substantial computer-based work is required, particularly in the case of fully online students, you are recommended to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work, and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury.
Excessive noise in confined spaces and/or when listening through headphones can damage hearing. Exposure to such noise should be brief and controlled.
Personal injury is possible from incorrectly lifting heavy electronic or acoustic instruments or equipment.
The use of electronic instruments and equipment may cause electrocution if handled incorrectly or an electrical fault occurs. Always ensure your equipment has been regularly tested by a qualified electrician.
Musical, electrical and computer equipment is prone to failure. Any loss of time for such failures should be accounted for in your planning.
Safety of data storage can never be fully guaranteed. You are required to take all steps necessary to ensure continuity of your data.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.CA01 Bachelor of Creative Arts
- Cite and discuss a broad and coherent knowledge of historical and contemporary cultural contexts for creative practice, including the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges.
Relates to: ULO4, Stereo Recording & Analysis, Multitrack Recording & Report - Identify and demonstrate knowledge of the techniques and concepts underpinning your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Stereo Recording & Analysis, Multitrack Recording & Report - Demonstrate complex problem solving through iterative experimentation and the creative and critical development of ideas and outcomes.
Relates to: ULO1, Acoustics, Signal Flow, and Listening Skills Test, Stereo Recording & Analysis, Multitrack Recording & Report - Demonstrate technical proficiency and a knowledge of contemporary digital practices and technologies in one or more disciplines and apply these in creative and critical settings.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Acoustics, Signal Flow, and Listening Skills Test, Stereo Recording & Analysis, Multitrack Recording & Report - Communicate independent learning clearly and coherently in diverse modes relevant to your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Acoustics, Signal Flow, and Listening Skills Test, Stereo Recording & Analysis, Multitrack Recording & Report - Communicate, represent, and promote your work in ways relevant to your creative field.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Acoustics, Signal Flow, and Listening Skills Test, Stereo Recording & Analysis, Multitrack Recording & Report - Discern, critically analyse, and synthesise knowledge in complex creative and critical settings.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Acoustics, Signal Flow, and Listening Skills Test, Stereo Recording & Analysis, Multitrack Recording & Report - Formulate and apply an independent perspective through contextual research, reflection, and by acting on the informed critique of others.
Relates to: ULO4, Stereo Recording & Analysis, Multitrack Recording & Report - Operate with initiative, ethical judgement and professionalism, both alone and in groups.
Relates to: ULO1, Acoustics, Signal Flow, and Listening Skills Test, Stereo Recording & Analysis, Multitrack Recording & Report
KK34 Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Cite and discuss a broad and coherent knowledge of historical and contemporary cultural contexts for creative practice, including the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges.
Relates to: ULO1 - Identify and demonstrate knowledge of the techniques and concepts underpinning your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO4 - Demonstrate complex problem solving through iterative experimentation and the creative and critical development of ideas and outcomes.
Relates to: ULO1 - Demonstrate technical proficiency in at least one area of your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4 - Communicate independent learning clearly and coherently in diverse modes relevant to your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO3 - Discern, critically analyse and synthesise knowledge in complex creative practice settings.
Relates to: ULO3
KK43 Bachelor of Creative Industries
- Demonstrate broad and coherent theoretical and practical knowledge required for creative enterprise, career development and interdisciplinary collaborations, supported by depth in at least one creative disciplinary area.
Relates to: ULO1 - Demonstrate well-developed cognitive and ideation skills to identify, analyse and evaluate opportunities to address authentic complex problems.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO4 - Demonstrate technical expertise to support skills and knowledge within the Creative Industries.
Relates to: ULO2 - Communicate effectively in a range of forms across multiple media modes, for sharing and disseminating knowledge, skills and ideas, and collaborative practice and navigation of social networks.
Relates to: ULO2 - Apply and adapt creative disciplinary knowledge and skills with agility in a range of industry, community and intercultural contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4